@jenatsky - thanks for providing your input on major depressive disorder (MDD) treatments, and @jimhd, thank you for your honesty. Not having family support behind a direction I was seriously considering for treatment would sure be an uphill battle for me.

I can only imagine it's distressing to have people saying things about suicide that are not at all helpful, like it's the devil in one's heart or a selfish act, jimhd. I would envision those are not people who've encountered suicidal ideation themselves or witnessed this with a loved one, and are misguidedly speaking from ignorance, unfortunately. I am guessing these kinds of remarks are very hurtful.

Hoping some of the other members in this discussion such as @507 @johnjames @overwhelmed @audriana @tomgrinley will have some input on the TMS and ECT treatment options you are looking at currently, jimhd, and provide some empathy from their own experiences or those of a loved one with MDD. I'd also like to invite a few other members in the Depression & Anxiety support group who have mentioned TMS or ECT treatment to chime in on this discussion, as you may have some helpful experiences and personal research to share @ice @georgette12 @mandrake70 @phxlife @kathadilly @marjou.

jimhd - I'm guessing your psychiatrist has spoken to your wife and maybe other family members about the ECT and TMS treatment options at some point? If so, what has happened in those discussions with the doctor?